Stephen Sutton’s final inspiring message and how he changed the world.

When I first heard about Stephen Sutton, I was pretty amazed. It was another amazing story of a kid that was given a bad hand in life but who instead of folding, went all in.

Stephen was born on December 16, 1994 in Burntwood England. He was the classic energetic and fun loving kid growing up but when he was 15 his world changed forever. He was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer. Even after aggressive treatment, it spread to other parts of his body. The doctors gave the unfortunate news that it was incurable.

For anyone that is devastating news. Cancer doesn’t care if you are famous, rich, old, poor or young. Instead of giving up though, Stephen; in his own words; was going to “make cancer his bitch.”

He made a list of 46 things he wanted to do in life and he amazingly did 34 of them. He created a facebook page, Stephen’s Story (https://www.facebook.com/StephensStory) which now has over 1 million followers. He began fundraising for the Teenage Cancer Trust fund. His goal was to raise $10,000 pounds but instead of that, he has raised over $3.4 MILLION pounds. Kids and famous people all over the UK began to donate.

His famous thumbs up with a smile inspired everyone. People of all ages began to send photos on his Facebook page with a thumbs up of support. He also was a part of breaking a Guinness Book of World Record by being a part of the largest amount of people outlining a heart with their hands.

He was able to meet Prime Minister David Cameron and his photo with him with a big “thumbs up” went viral. He lit a positive fire in the UK that will be eternal.

In a final message, he inspired like only certain people can during their darkest hour. Stephen showed us that life isn’t about being rich, having the hottest woman, or being around fame and fortune. It isn’t arrogance or things or possessions. He showed us that even in today’s technology based world, the most powerful thing of all is still the love and kindness of the human heart. It’s compassion for others, and smiling and standing strong during good and bad times. It’s inspiring others and making a difference through love. The simplest of things.

‘It’s a final thumbs up from me! (Stephen’s last message)

‘I’ve done well to blag things as well as I have up till now, but unfortunately I think this is just one hurdle too far. ‘It’s a shame the end has come so suddenly- there’s so many people I haven’t got round to properly thank or say goodbye too. Apologies for that.

‘There was also so many exciting projects and things I didn’t get to see out. Hopefully some will continue and if you want to carry on the fundraising please do (justgiving.com/stephen-sutton-TCT is the link to donate to).

‘All future updates on this page will probably be from a family member. I hopefully may have the energy to write a few tweets (@_StephensStory).

‘I will continue fighting for as long as I can, and whatever happens next I want you all to know I am currently in a good place mentally and at ease with the situation. ‘That’s it from me. It has been a good life. Very good.’